180° Meridian and Cape Blossom, Wrangel Island

Aug 17, 2019 - National Geographic Orion

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A lounging polar bear along the shoreline.

To arrive at Wrangel Island aboard National Geographic Orion for the first time was an accomplishment that words fail to describe. Such a northerly Russian outpost of polar bears and birds stands as legend in the minds of explorers since it was first discovered, and today’s activities did not disappoint in the slightest. Our first landing ashore was accompanied by musk ox and polar bears while harlequin ducks bobbed in the water. And the afternoon brought still more white bears to observe along the shoreline: a day to be remembered as we explore further this mighty island.

About the Author

For over a decade Paul North has been exploring the marine ecosystems of our planet. Whereas most think of diving as a warm water activity, he has chosen the road less traveled–specializing in polar diving. This has provided many rare opportunities to dive and explore from the Arctic to Antarctica and many wondrous places in between.